Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Inland Empire's roster is out

on the team's official website. Some notes:

Pitching staff has some potential. 2007 draftees LHP James Adkins and RHP Tim Sexton headline the staff and should give the 66ers a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. RHP Javy Guerra returns to High A after struggling with his command most of the year. RHP Josh Wall moves up a rung after a successful season with the Loons. Lefties Alberto Bastardo, Cody White and David Pfeiffer should contend for the last starting spot. In the pen, LHP Brent Leach hopes to have a healthy season after missing most of 2007. He's joined by LHP Garrett White, RHP Jordan Pratt and RHP Paul Koss to provide some stability in the relief corps.

The infield leaves something to be desired. 3B Josh Bell is definitely the biggest bat in the lineup and he'll likely be the team's cleanup hitter. 2007 pick SS Jaime Pedroza has some potential on offense but his lack of a clear position defensively leaves his prospect status in limbo. 1B Eduardo Perez has some pop but he's not much of a prospect. Carlos Santana and Gabriel Gutierrez will share catching duties, with Santana getting the majority of the work behind the plate.

The outfield is without a good prospect, though there are some solid guys who should see time in Double A before the season is over. Ryan Rogowski led LA's farm system with 39 steals last year and figures to be the team's leadoff hitter. Matt Berezay led this group in HR last year with 13, so he figures to get a good chunk of PT. Thomas Giles hit well in Low A in 2007 but struggled after a callup to Jacksonville. Drew Locke didn't get many AB last season but has some power potential. Trayvon Robinson, who had some serious problems offensively in Great Lakes last year was moved up more due to the fact that he likely wouldn't have gotten enough playing time there this season. He'll likely split time with Rogowski in CF.